A Virginia man was arrested Friday for making repeated threats against his Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte on Twitter, the Justice Department said.

Christopher Michael McGowan of Roanoke, Va., tweeted at Goodlatte in December, writing, "I will do this in full belief I am defending the constitution of the United States. I am not making a joke. I will kill him…."

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When members of the Botetourt County Sheriff's office interviewed McGowan at his home the next day, he said he didn't own a gun and did not intend to hurt Goodlatte or anyone else, according to the DOJ.

When members of the Botetourt County Sheriff’s office interviewed McGowan at his home in December, he said he didn’t own a gun and did not intend to hurt Goodlatte or anyone else. (Twitter)

McGowan continued a frequent stream of tweets directed at Goodlatte and the menacing tone picked up again on April 1.

"I'm serious, @BobGoodlatte6 …you keep f**king with our constitution and challenging Mueller and the last you see will be my patriot ass behind a gun you should have long ago have prevented me owning pulling a trigger to your head (SIC). Want me arrested>? GO head," McGowan tweeted.

Christopher McGowan was charged with one count of making a threatening communication through interstate commerce by the US Attorney's Office. (Twitter)

He continued to write,"#1 threatened my congressman with violence #2 stated I would kill people. #3: pretty much declared I would commit a plethora of anti-social behavior, publicly. Whom would like to bet I can purchase a gun three days from now and NOT be locked up in jail? #proudtobeanAmerican"

Another tweet read, " History will hate you even more than I do. You better get on those gun laws. I am buying one intended for you in 3 days. Can you legally stop me?"

U.S. Attorney Thomas Cullen said, “Federal law criminalizes threatening communications made through the internet or a telephone, and these types of threats are not protected by the First Amendment.” (Twitter)

McGowan was arrested and charged with one count of making a threatening communication through interstate commerce.

U.S. Attorney Thomas Cullen said, "Federal law criminalizes threatening communications made through the internet or a telephone, and these types of threats are not protected by the First Amendment."